Unit Manager Health and Safety

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

We are strengthening our health and safety culture across the Ministry and are looking for an experienced Health and Safety leader to help us deliver this ambition.

An external review of the Ministry’s health and safety ecosystem has identified several opportunities for improvement. A dedicated programme is being established to implement the recommendations, and this role, together with the team it leads, will work closely with the Project Director to drive this programme of change.    

You’ll bring deep expertise in modern health and safety practice, with proven experience designing, implementing and managing effective health and safety frameworks and policies.  Your ability to influence leaders and build trusted relationships across the Ministry, both in New Zealand and globally, will be essential to success. 

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will be leading a team of health and safety practitioners responsible for identifying our critical risks, ensuring appropriate controls are in place, and supporting high quality incident reporting, investigations and governance insights. The role also contributes to MFAT’s response to critical events on and offshore through participation in crisis response arrangements.

A key part of this role includes ensuring staff posted offshore — and their accompanying family members — have access to effective medical support. You will oversee medical clearances, access to healthcare at post, and medical evacuations where required, working closely with our third-party healthcare administrator.

For more detail you can view a copy of the position description click here.

The full salary range for this position is $171,274 and $231,724 total remuneration, inclusive of KiwiSaver employer contribution.

Who are we looking for? - Mā‎ wai te mahi nei?

• Extensive experience implementing and delivering effective and efficient health and safety strategies and programmes of work
• Previous experience in a leadership role, with demonstrated capability leading high performing teams
• In depth experience and thought leadership in health and safety including governance, risk management, frameworks, systems and legislative requiremen
• Experience supporting response to critical events and incidents, ideally with familiarity with CIMS principles
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and influence across all levels of an organisation
• A relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent combination of experience and professional expertise

Why MFAT? - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere?

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission.  Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

About us - Mō mātou

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous.  By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand’s interests and pursue New Zealand's values.  We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world. 

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate New Zealand Security Clearance.

Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Top Secret clearance. Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 8th April, 2026.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a Specialist role) based in central Wellington, NZ.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.